Bass Coast Shire Council is less than two hours from Melbourne and includes 42 kilometers of coastline and picturesque rural hinterland, providing a varied and challenging landscape for council�s environmental team to work with.
Nominated by both Councillor Clare Le Serve and Chief Executive Officer Paul Buckley for their contributions to council, the environment team led by Deirdre Griepsma has had numerous successes in monitoring and managing the local environment.
�The Scenic Estate Conservation Reserve project is a great success and credit to teamwork to get this happening over what has been an long journey,� said Deirdre.
Scenic Estate is a 282,000 square metre parcel of 332 residential sized allotments northeast of Surf Beach, Phillip Island.
The subdivision occurred in the 1960s and in 1983 the State government deemed it an inappropriate development, as it is located on low-lying land that is subject to inundation. Since this announcement in 1983, Council has voluntarily acquired 161 lots and now owns 49 percent of Scenic Estate lots.
Since the State government decision in 1983 there has not been any formal on�ground works and the land has sat dormant.
In May 2013 a Scenic Estate Landscape Design Masterplan was prepared by consultants in conjunction with Phillip Island Nature Parks, Parks Victoria and the community to combat the illegal dumping of rubbish and degradation of the area from dirt bike riding and 4WDs.
The Scenic Estate Plan is designed to create a low impact site to reduce exposure to coastal hazards and inundation that can occur during winter, including wetland boardwalks, a viewing platform and car park.
A �Friends of Scenic Estate Group� is planned for the future to facilitate community involvement in the estate.
The Environment Team also recently identified savings to council of $70,000 – $100,000 per year by switching streetlights to an energy efficient fluorescent model.
The project cost $1 million, however the savings will pay for the project in nine years time.
Deadrie has worked in local government for five years in the natural environment sustainability area, dealing with biodiversity, sustainability and climate change, waste management, environmental planning, land and catchment, foreshore and bush reserves, sustainability education and environmental advocacy.
She had 18 years� experience in the private sector prior to coming to local government, in both the commercial and not for profit sector.
She is a qualified Industrial Chemist and has worked in the water quality area, waste research, petrochemical industry and environment management.
She holds a Masters in Applied Science, has been an EPA Victoria Independent Expert and a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Directors.
She is enthusiastic to watch the environment team continue to achieve a sustainable future while they continue to grow both professionally and personally.
